Family reunification with non-EU nationals

Under EU law, non-EU nationals who are legally residing in an EU country can benefit from family reunification and be joined by their family members. For the past 20 years, family reunification has been one of the main reasons for migration into the EU. About a third of the residence permits to non-EU nationals were delivered at the end of 2023 to join a family member (who might be an EU or a non-EU national).

If you are interested in joining a family member in an EU country, you will find all the information you need on the EU Immigration Portal.

Legal framework  

The rules, rights and conditions for non-EU nationals to bring their family members to the EU Member State in which they are legally residing are established in the Family Reunification Directive. The Directive respects the fundamental rights and principles recognised in the European Convention on Human Rights and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

In order to be eligible for family reunification, non-EU nationals asking for a family member to join them in the EU must hold a residence permit valid for at least one year issued by an EU Member State and have the legal option of long-term residence.

More information on the key provisions of the Directive can be found in the Summary of EU legislation – Family Reunification Directive.

The Family Reunification Directive only applies to family reunification with non-EU nationals legally residing in the EU. For family reunification with an EU national, the rules applicable are laid down in Member States’ national law for the nationals of that Member State and under Directive 2004/38/EC (see Free movement of EU citizens) for EU nationals living in a different EU Member State.

Objectives

• Harmonise the rules for exercising the right to family reunification;
• Facilitate the integration of non-EU nationals in the EU countries;
• Contribute to the creation of socio-cultural stability;
• Promote economic and social cohesion.